The morning after....

So it's Day 6, I think, and I'm happily losing track of the date, the day of the week, and other stuff that's probably important, but I can't recall them either. In other words, the trip is a success!!

Actually this is far more than a trip, and maybe one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done. It's truly been an eye-opening experience and too long in the making. Yesterday began in Vicksburg, and from there to Jackson, MS, for a disappointing trip to get a new brake lever for the bike. The people there couldn't have cared less, so I called HD of Baton Rouge who happily put my part on hold while I (carefully) rode the 100+ miles to pick it up and install it. What a cool bunch of folks there. Two thumbs up for Harley Davidson of Baton Rouge.

Much of yesterday's trip involved some serious rain, so out came the rain gear and shield. Another big thank-you to my son and family for the great gift!!! Sure came in handy. But after 5 serious spells of rain, one bike repair, a detour to Baton Rouge, and another 270 miles, I arrived in New Orleans, for a total of 1,475 wonderful miles.

Charlie and Linda were waiting for me at the hotel, and I was very, very happy to see these two. They're a part of my family...no question about it. Quite honestly, Linda looked shocked to see me, so I guess I looked a little rough after a few days on the road......

We went to Bourbon Street last night. It was just great to see them and have someone to help me enjoy the city. It's like no place I've ever been, but more on that later. Stay tuned.

Linda said I cleaned up pretty good.

 

Rainy today, which is good. I really ain't up to long rides, and spent the entire morning in the hotel courtyard chatting with a guest.

The guest....Becky! 

Might get out now between showers to explore.

Greetings from New Orleans!
Cowboy

Day 4, Independence Day

What a day....

Left Tupelo this morning after getting cornered at the hotel by a couple Gold Wing guys who wanted to talk about the relative merits of theirs vs. a Harley. Yawn. Who cares. Buy a Harley and quit trying to convince yourself the Honda is better. It ain't, so get over it.

Ran the Natchez Trace again thru to Jackson. That road must be a secret. No one uses it and again I sometimes went for miles without seeing another vehicle. When I got near Jackson I finally saw some folks.

Did run into a few people at one of the roadside historic sites. One talkative old lady mentioned she was waiting for someone to drop off her grandbaby and a load of rabbits. I didn't ask much about that. The answer could have been scary. Stopped at another and in the woods behind me there was major shooting going on. Took some pix and rolled put of there.

Hit Jackson and went west to Vicksburg. Got a cheap room first and then rode straight to the river. Took a couple pix and then saw a great photo op with a steamboat for a backdrop. Moved the bike down a sharp incline and when I kicked the fork to the side, over it went. With all the extra weight, I just couldn't hold it up.

Before broken brake lever....

...and after. But I got the picture.

So here's the good part. I was struggling to pick it up, when a couple girls came by in a pickup and asked if I wanted help. It was hard, but I said yes, so this BIG girl jumped out and helped me get 'er back on two wheels and off they went.

Bruised ego, broken front brake lever, and not much riding tonight. That bike is WAY too heavy to stop with just the rear brake. And no, there's no sexy, steamy ending with the girls who helped out. Guess I could have made something up.....

Anyway, I hit the Civil War Battlefield and had a look around. Amazing place, and a must-see. This was a place Mom and I always passed by and we seemed to never have time to stop and see it. I was making time to do exactly that.....

Texas Memorial 

Back at the hotel, I called a Harley dealer in Jackson who's going to help me out tomorrow. He said if he doesn't have one on the shelf, he'll pull one off a new bike to get me back on the road. Great guy. Will post the name when I get it....can't remember right now

So it's 30 miles back to Jackson (isn't there a song like that? "'going to Jackson......."). I'll get the part, put it on, and head south, maybe to Natchez and into New Orleans. Day early.

Cowboy

PS ran into some interesting sentiment from one local. I asked if there were going to be fireworks, and he said he didn't know. Then he said, "I don't celebrate the 4th much anymore. I'm losing too many of my rights to celebrate freedom." Wow, I didn't know what to say, except that fireworks were still cool, and then I walked away.

Day 3, Mississippi

About 240 miles today, but very few on an interstate, and many, many stops along the way.

I picked up the Natchez Trace Parkway just south of Nashville, and what a nice ride. Sometimes I went for a mile or two without seeing another vehicle. Pretty scenery and smooth turns, and not a billboard, store, or neon sign in sight. In fact, I got off at Buzzard Corner just to see a few stores, lights, and signs.

From there, I had a chance to visit Corinth, MS, the site of a major Civil War battle. On the Shiloh battlefield, there's a special place called a Civil War Interpretation Center which allows research and emphasizes Corinth's, and Mississippi's, role in the Civil War.

And from there to Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis. I visited his first home and the church he attended.
Tonight I'm staying in. I'm a little road-worn and NASCAR is on. Besides, I found out (sniff) that Hooters bypassed Tupelo. (I wonder how people eat?!?!)

Cowboy
sent from iPhone Land.....

A very thought-provoking memorial

Corinth Mississippi

Cowboy

Elvis!

Stopped in Tupelo Mississippi for a break and what's a person to do while in Tupelo? Hell, there's only one thing: You gotta visit the Elvis sites, and I did. Lots of fun, a great way to spend an afternoon.

This is exactly how I wanted the trip to go. See something fun or interesting to do? Just stop and do it. The road will be there the next day...

Cowboy

Early Equipment Report

Well kids, after almost 1,000 miles and three days of road testing, here's the lowdown:

As much as I fought getting a windshield, the Switchblade is a real saver. A lot less hammering from the wind, and I'm glad some of those bugs on it didn't hit me!

I don't care what you hear elsewhere, those lower deflectors make a huge difference. I ran a hundred or so miles without, and hated it. When they're on, there's a lot less wind knocking my helmet around. Anyone who says they aren't worth it don't know what the fuck they're talking about.

T-Bags luggage- I got the SuperT with roll bag and this is great stuff. Quality made, and it's on, or off, in just a few minutes. Rides well too.....nothing comes loose or shakes around.

TomTom Rider 2 GPS - gets lousy reviews online, and hard to see, but with a little homemade sunshade, it works great. And a GPS gives me the confidence to explore a little more. So far, the GPS takes the #1 best-buy ranking.

But it's all good, and I'm having a ball.

Cowboy

sent from iPhone Land.....

Day 2, Nashville, Tennessee

 

Sitting down in the room and thinking back on the day. Awesome weather for riding, and was able to run the last half in a t-shirt. Leathers this morning, though. A little chilly coming out of Virginia.

Went by Bristol to see the track, but didn't see much but the parking lot. Then started some off-interstate riding, which is more scenic, but a lot of stop and go. Have now decided to mix it up instead of all back roads.

Got 420 miles in today, total. More than I planned, but Knoxville didn't seem far enough so I ran for Nashville. Hit a wall of traffic just outside the city and fucking near roasted.

Was very taken with Nashville, traffic or not. Downtown is totally cool. They really have it arranged perfectly. Right next to the Harley store, there's a Hooters. Perfect.

Ok, time for some aspirin and some rest. Hope I can sleep. So much to see and do!!!

Cowboy

PS
The hotel manager let me drive my bike right through the breezeway and up to the room in the center courtyard so it would be safe. Other guests didn't seem to appreciate his concern. Like WTF is that f'n noise!!!??? The hotel was a dive...who cares what they thought......

Day 1 of Ride, Christiansburg, VA

264 miles for a head start. Snuck out early and was able to escape the DC rush hour traffic. Can get a decent rum to Bristol in the morning and get off this damn interstate. Played leapfrog with trucks and tourists all the way.

Every time I've stopped, a conversation started, with people interested in the bike and where I'm heading. Surprised looks when I tell them New Orleans. Maybe I don't look capable?!?! LOL. At least I know I won't be starving for conversation or company. I love the South.

So here's tonight's campground. Nothing dramatic. Cracker Barrel across the lot and all the Virginia Tech girls I can eat. Woops. Can't believe I said that.......

Cowboy

On the road

Finally. At about 3PM, right after I post this, I'll put the helmet on and get the hell out of Dodge. I just couldn't wait until tomorrow....

Stay tuned..... Here's the bike all loaded up. A trained eye will notice the Twizzlers peeking out of the windshield bag. Never leave home without Twizzlers and Cool Blue Gatorade.

Cowboy

The Route.....

So here's the rough plan....2700 miles, total. Any or all subject to change depending on weather, traffic, interest, disinterest, or running into the right new "friend" who has something better in mind. I'm not even ruling out the Auto-Train from Orlando if my ass just can't take it anymore. The one thing I'm sure of is hitting New Orleans, on or about July 7th.

Alexandria, VA

Bristol, TN

Nashville, TN

Cherokee, AL

Tupelo, MS

Canton, MS

Jackson, MS

Vicksburg, MS

Natchez, MS

New Orleans, LA

Mobile, AL

Gulf Breeze, FL

Panama City, FL

Eastpoint, FL

St Teresa, FL

Tallahassee, FL

Savannah, GA

Charleston, SC

Myrtle Beach, SC

Raleigh, NC

Alexandria, VA


That oughta do it!

Cowboy